Snoring Sounds

From Buzz to Jack Hammer - The Intensity of Snoring Sounds

Snoring is one of the most common sleep-related problems; in America alone, there are over 100 million people who snore every night. Have you ever slept in the same room with someone who snores? Maybe your partner is a snorer, or perhaps you’ve been affected by the noise at a sleepover. Anyone who has been exposed to snoring sounds knows that the noise can vary in its severity, intensity, and loudness.

Studies done on this topic have determined that there are several factors which influence the intensity of snoring sounds. Some of these factors include age, weight, gender, and the presence of disorders such as sleep apnea. Depending on which one or how many of these factors affect your snoring, the intensity of snoring could vary as a result. Whatever the cause, it has been determined that there is a direct correlation between the intensity of snoring and the quality of sleep that one receives.

Age as a Factor of Snoring

Snoring has been shown to increase in intensity with age. This is because as you age, you lose muscle tone in the back of the neck, thus resulting in snoring. After the age of 30, your chance of snoring increases by 68 per cent. It is possible for babies to snore as well; however, people rarely consider the snoring sounds produced by infants

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to be bothersome. This is because the force of the air passing through their wind tunnel is so insignificant, it is easily ignored. However, infants that do snore loudly should be monitored because it could lead to potential breathing and respiratory problems later.

The More You Weigh - The More You Snore

Weight also plays a direct role in the intensity of snoring sounds. The more you weigh, the louder you are likely to snore. This is one reason why more men than women tend to snore - because it is more common for men to carry excess weight in their stomach. On many occasions, weight loss can lower the intensity of snoring sounds if the patient is or was overweight.

Gender Roles

The intensity of snoring sounds seems to be greater in men than in women. One reason for this is that men tend to have larger necks than women, which means that they have excess tissue. This could cause a greater amount or intensity of snoring sounds. Women also produce progesterone, which many experts consider to be an aid in reducing the intensity of snoring. In fact, many snoring medications use progesterone in them.

Studies have shown a significant connection between sleep apnea and snoring. Because snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, the intensity of snoring sounds is usually greater for those who are affected by sleep apnea.